The Long Island Fair, recognized by New York State as the official county fair for Queens, Nassau and Suffolk County, is a festive, present-day event that captures the feel of a country fair consistent with the second half of the 19th century. The Fair began in 1842 as a local exhibition for what was then Queens County. It originated at the Mineola Fairgrounds, which eventually became a court complex, and was moved to Roosevelt Raceway where rides and sideshows were added.

In 1970, the Fair moved again to its present location at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration, which is located on Round Swamp Road in Old Bethpage. The main exhibition building, carriage sheds, oval track and livestock barns as well as the recreation of the original Fair Business Office and restored Superintendent's Office, original to the fairgrounds, have been added. Trees and gravel-paved walkways have also been added to the landscape to enhance the accuracy of this historic setting.

An effort to recreate the elaborate Mineola Fairgrounds, circa 1866, has resulted in a cooperative relationship between the local government and the community. The combined efforts of the Agricultural Society of Queens, the Friends for Long Island's Heritage and Nassau and Suffolk Counties has produced a recreation of the original fairgrounds on 12 acres at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Many volunteers help to produce this event and over 500 volunteers will be on hand to assist at the fair.

This year the Long Island Fair will be held from October 10 - 15. According to Ken Balcom, coordinator of the fair there is still time to enter the exhibit portion of the fair as the deadline to enter is September 23. Those interested should call 572-8406 for registration information. "There are many categories that people can enter: domestic arts categories that include needle work, culinary; a juniors category with many topics, there are many hobbies including woodworking, home gardens, vegetables, flowers, fruit, livestock categories," said Balcom. "People enter everything from beautiful quilts to giant pumpkins and their homegrown tomatoes. We usually get several thousand entries."

The Long Island Fair is a major event during Columbus Day Weekend and is enjoyed by approximately 50,000 visitors. Families from all over Long Island enjoy the activities and displays and exhibitors come to show off livestock, vegetables, flowers, culinary arts and handicrafts. With nearly 5,000 contest entries in categories ranging from delicious cakes and mammoth dahlias to champion livestock and intricate patchwork quilts, 700 prizes will be awarded, including ribbons, cash and trophies. There will also be traditional 19th century corn-husking contests for children and cross-cut sawing for adults. A Farmer-For-A-Day tent allows small children to dig potatoes, gather eggs and milk a mechanical cow. Entertainment in the style of the 1800s including a magician, brass band, puppet shows and singers will also be featured.

The Long Island Fair maintains more than the tradition of a 160-year old agricultural fair. The wholesome, truly American tradition of a country fair encourages personal creativity, as well as community involvement and identity. "It is that kind of family fun that makes the fair so different," said Balcom. "It is a family day where you don't have to worry about one mechanical ride after another."

For more information or a schedule of this year's activities, visit the Long Island Fair's website at www.longislandfair.org or call 572-8406.